~ a journal

“If you want something truly, it happens.”

” My list is actually getting ticked off as time goes by. And now I actually kind of agree with you when you say, If you want something truly, it happens. “ – excerpt from a letter my daughter sent me.
There is a runner I know who has transitioned from running in shoes to barefoot. In fact, my first barefoot run was when I was out on a walk/run with his wife. I’ve been meaning to call him to ask about how he switched before I took off on my own. But as usual, I over thought about bothering him, taking up his time etc. In all likelihood, I possibly would not have called him at all. So the universe intervened.
While on my way back from a run today, I bumped into him and exchanged a few words. He started by running 5ks barefoot for a few months before building up longer distances. As and when the fancy for a long run took hold, he ran in shoes. And that was that. So maybe I can work out something where I slowly move to freeing my feet while satisfying the urge for longer runs. Today was a mished up run and showed me how much I have to work on my basics all over again. Running without any plan is good but also makes me feel a bit rudderless. I need the discomfort of working toward something to keep it fresh.
In the meanwhile, I’ve been walking barefoot outside on all kinds of surfaces and it is interesting. Let’s see where my feet take me.

Actually, got going already now. Sticking to just walking barefoot for now. Haven’t been running much. Decided to begin all over again, like a 0 to 5k plan. Was just wondering how your training was coming along. Hope all well.

The bare foot thing is quite interesting when you look into it. There are theories about the body’s fascia and how it’s all connected and works like a spring without using energy. I only know that I was surprised when I tried it about how strong my feet felt. Yes there are warnings about risk of injury from changing too soon, but you don’t sound like you are doing anything rash Or without careful thought, so I think you will be fine. I have had a very lacklustre month for running. January went well, but in February I seemed to slide into a bit of a ‘mood’ didn’t want to run, write , read or work (obviously did) or anything. A bit of midlife crisis, thinking about my life and where I want it to go. Should I plod on or make a big change? Work is the area of concern, home is my comfort and refuge. Coming out of it a bit now. I think that you might understand if I explain that I want to spend more time living in the present, I’d like to do more yoga, mediatation, running, to have quiet time for thinking, to be creative, to be with friends and settle down to being the ‘real me’. I feel like I’ve lost my way a little, living on a hamster wheel. Hard to explain.🙂

It’s a really interesting experience this time around. I guess somewhere I have committed to it. Just sticking to walking barefoot till I am convinced about the conditioning of my feet. The fascia theories are interesting, in fact there is another blogger who wrote his experiences working with it, will share the link if I find it.
I completely understand about wanting to be here, now. Personally, my yoga practice has allowed me to find that little space in the bustle of my everyday life. It sounds weird but despite packing in much more in 24 hours, I find that I have more energy, time and general well being. Sending you warm wishes from and hope you find your groove soon.